United States v. Robert Brown, Jr.

366 F. App'x 784

• Court: Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
• Decided: February 22, 2010
• Docket: 09-30210
• Status: Unpublished

Opinion

MEMORANDUM **

Appellant Robert Brown, Jr. (Brown) appeals the district court’s denial of his motion to suppress evidence. Brown asserts that Community Corrections Officers Michael Hisey (Hisey) and Brent Martin (Martin) violated his Fourth Amendment right against unreasonable search and seizure.

Hisey and Martin conducted a constitutional stop and frisk pursuant to Terry v. Ohio, 392 U.S. 1, 88 S.Ct. 1868, 20 L.Ed.2d 889 (1968). Based on the totality of the circumstances, Hisey and Martin reasonably suspected Brown of criminal activity and feared for their safety because Brown entered a gang-associated residence after being told not to; wore baggy gang-related clothes capable of concealing a weapon; acted nervous upon seeing the officers; made furtive movements around his waist and pockets, and refused to keep his hands where the officers could see them despite requested requests to do; and was carrying an aerosol can of gun cleaning oil in his pocket. See United States v. Johnson, 581 F.3d 994, 999-1000 (9th Cir.2009) (describing the Terry standard).

Hisey and Martin’s limited use of force did not convert the investigatory stop into an arrest. Hisey and Martin detained Brown in order to quickly confirm or dispel their suspicion that Brown was armed. See United States v. Thompson, 282 F.3d 673, 677-78 (9th Cir.2002). Hisey and Martin’s fear for their safety justified their use of force and coercive tactics. See United States v. Ricardo D., 912 F.2d 337, 340 (9th Cir.1990).

AFFIRMED.

** This disposition is not appropriate for publication and is not precedent except as provided by 9th Cir. R. 36-3.